Over the past year, there has been a number of deaths among those whom Lighthouse Trails has critiqued for their doctrinal and theological teachings. Last week, we received the following e-mail:
To Lighthouse Trails:
As much as I disagree with the doctrines that are being taught by Rick Warren and his church, we should still “weep with those who weep, and mourn with those who mourn.” Your silence regarding the death of Rick’s son is as loud as anything you might have said. Since you are followed by so many readers, this is an excellent time to show God’s love for a person who is hurting. I was disappointed not to see a condolence to the family on your page, that would speak greatly of the love of God.
In actuality, we did post something on our blog about it the day after we heard the tragic news, and we expressed our sorrow in hearing this news: “Son of Pastor Rick Warren Commits Suicide.”
While we do not always post obituaries or notices about these things, we’d like to state that Lighthouse Trails has never felt or expressed any personal animosity toward those figures we have critiqued. We have never wished for or prayed for any personal tragedy in any of their lives. We have only prayed that their eyes might be opened to the issues discussed on our site and in our books. We believe we have maintained integrity in avoiding any personal smears against anyone. Our focus has been, and by the grace of God, will continue to be contending for the biblical Christian faith. That said, when we hear of these deaths, we do not rejoice at all but feel a sense of sadness for the loved ones of that person and even sadness regarding the one who has departed. We do not have any hate toward any of the people we challenge. Please know that while we may not always post death notices (often because these figures are highly popular and their deaths are covered by numerous media outlets, both secular and Christian, thus not needing the coverage of our ministry) this does not mean we are trying to make a negative statement about that person. On the contrary, posting something could even give the wrong impression that we are somehow attributing their deaths to God’s judgement. In fact, we never would intend to make any public determination regarding someone’s death. So for these and various others reasons, we don’t often make mention of these deaths. We hope this explanation will clear up any concerns by our readers.
Here are a few that have occurred recently:
On Friday, April 12, 2013, popular author and speaker Brennan Manning died at 78 years old. Manning is best known in the evangelical world for his books Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba’s Child. Article by the Christian Post on Brennan Manning His teachings are discussed in several Lighthouse Trails books and articles.
On April 5th 2013, Matthew Warren, 27 year old son of Purpose Driven pastor Rick Warren, died of a self-inflicted gunshot. Article by CNN on Matthew’s death. The Purpose Driven Movement and Rick Warren are discussed in several Lighthouse Trails books, DVDs, and articles.
On February 9th 2013, Richard Twiss, a leader in the Indigenous People’s Movement, died while attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC of a heart attack. Twiss was 58. Twiss’ beliefs and teachings are discussed in Muddy Waters: an insider’s view of North American Native Spirituality. Obituary of Richard Twiss
On August 19, 2012, Calvin Miller, a contemplative proponent sometimes discussed in Lighthouse Trails articles, passed away at the age of 75. Article by CT on Calvin Miller.
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